Method for controlling pests

ABSTRACT

To provide a method which shows excellent effects in controlling pests in a field of soybean, corn or cotton. 
     A method for controlling weeds in a field of soybean, corn or cotton, wherein the field of soybean, corn or cotton is treated with at least one PPO-inhibiting compound selected from the group consisting of flumioxazin, sulfentrazone, saflufenacil, oxyfluorfen, fomesafen-sodium, and the compound of the formula (I): 
                         
before, at or after seeding with a seed of soybean, corn or cotton treated with one or more nematicides.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of co-pending application Ser. No. 13/866,736 filed on Apr. 19, 2013, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Patent Application No. 2012-138456 filed in Japan on Jun. 20, 2012. All of the above applications are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for controlling pests, namely, nematodes and/or weeds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nematicides are known. In addition, PPO-inhibiting compounds are known as active ingredients for herbicides.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART Patent Document

-   Patent Document 1: WO 02/066471

Non Patent Document

-   Non-Patent Document 1: Crop Protection Handbook, vol. 96 (2010) -   Non-Patent Document 2: Compendium of Pesticide Common Names     (http://www.alanwood.net/pesticides/)

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a method which shows excellent effects in controlling pests in a field of soybean, corn or cotton.

The present invention is a method for controlling pests occurring in a field by treating a field of corn, soybean or cotton with a PPO-inhibiting compound, before, at or after seeding with a seed of corn, soybean or cotton treated with a nematicide.

The present invention is as described below.

[1] A method for controlling a weed in a field of soybean, corn or cotton, comprising applying at least one PPO-inhibiting compound selected from the group consisting of flumioxazin, sulfentrazone, saflufenacil, oxyfluorfen, fomesafen-sodium, and the compound of the formula (I):

to a field before, at or after seeding with a seed of soybean, corn or cotton treated with one or more nematicides. [2] A method for controlling pests in a field of soybean, corn or cotton, comprising the steps of:

treating a seed of soybean, corn or cotton with one or more nematicides, and

treating a field before, at or after seeding with the seed of soybean, corn or cotton with one or more PPO-inhibiting compound selected from the group consisting of flumioxazin, sulfentrazone, saflufenacil, oxyfluorfen, fomesafen-sodium, and the compound of the formula (I):

[3] The control method according to [1] or [2], wherein the nematicide is an agent selected from the group consisting of abamectin, carbamatenematicides, organophosphatenematicides, and biological nematicides. [4] The control method according to [1] or [2], wherein the nematicide is an agent selected from the group consisting of abamectin, thiodicarb, and Bacillus firmus. [5] The control method according to [3] or [4], wherein the PPO-inhibiting compound is flumioxazin. [6] The control method according to [2], comprising the step of treating a field of soybean, corn or cotton with the PPO-inhibiting compound before seeding with a seed of soybean, corn or cotton. [7] The control method according to [2], comprising the step of treating a field of soybean, corn or cotton with the PPO-inhibiting compound at seeding with a seed of soybean, corn or cotton. [8] The control method according to [2], comprising the step of treating a field of soybean, corn or cotton with the PPO-inhibiting compound after seeding with a seed of soybean, corn or cotton. [9] The control method according to [2], wherein the pest is a weed and/or a nematode. [10] The control method according to [2], wherein the pest is a weed.

According to the present invention, pests in a field of soybean, corn or cotton can be controlled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The method for controlling pests of the present invention comprises the steps of:

(1) treating a seed of soybean, corn or cotton with one or more nematicides, and

(2) treating a field of soybean, corn or cotton with at least one PPO-inhibiting compound selected from the group consisting of flumioxazin, sulfentrazone, saflufenacil, oxyfluorfen, fomesafen-sodium, and the compound of the formula (I):

before, at or after seeding with the treated seed of soybean, corn or cotton.

In the present invention, the seed of soybean, corn or cotton is not limited as far as it is a variety which is generally cultivated as a crop.

Examples of a plant of such a variety include plants to which resistance to a PPO-inhibiting compound such as flumioxazin; a 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase-inhibiting compound such as isoxaflutole; an acetolactate synthase (hereinafter abbreviated as ALS)-inhibiting compound such as imazethapyr or thifensulfuron methyl; a 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase-inhibiting compound such as glyphosate; a glutamine synthase-inhibiting compound such as glufosinate; an auxin-type herbicide such as 2,4-D or dicamba; or bromoxynil has been imparted by a classical breeding method or a genetic engineering technique.

Examples of a crop to which resistance has been imparted by a classical breeding method include corn resistant to an imidazolinone type ALS-inhibiting herbicide such as imazethapyr, and this has already been commercially available under a trade name of Clearfield (registered trademark). Examples of such a crop also include STS soybean which is resistant to a sulfonylurea-type ALS-inhibiting herbicide such as thifensulfuron methyl. Similarly, examples of a plant to which resistance to an acetyl CoA carboxylase-inhibiting compound such as trione oxime-type or aryloxyphenoxypropionic acid-type herbicide has been imparted by a classical breeding method include SR corn.

Examples of a plant to which resistance has been imparted by a genetic engineering technique include corn, soybean and cotton varieties which are resistant to glyphosate, and they have already been commercially available under trade names of RoundupReady (registered trade mark), Agrisure (registered trademark) GT, Gly-Tol (registered trademark) and the like. Similarly, there are corn, soybean and cotton varieties which are resistant to glufosinate by a genetic engineering technique, and they have already been commercially available under trade names of LibertyLink (registered trademark) and the like. There are corn and soybean varieties under the trade name of Optimum (registered trademark) GAT (registered trade mark), which are resistant to both of glyphosate and an ALS-inhibiting compound. Similarly, there are soybean varieties which are resistant to an imidazolinone-type ALS-inhibiting compound by a genetic engineering technique, and they have been developed under the name of Cultivance. Similarly, there is cotton varieties which are resistant to bromoxynil by a genetic engineering technique, and this has already been commercially available under the trade name of BXN (registered trademark).

A crop such as a soybean which is resistant to dicamba can be produced by introducing a dicamba degrading enzyme such as dicamba monooxygenase isolated from Pseudomonas maltophilia into a plant (Behrens et al. 2007 Science 316: 1185-1188).

By introducing a gene encoding aryloxyalkanoate dioxygenase, a crop which becomes resistant to a phenoxy acid-type herbicide such as 2,4-D, MCPA, dichlorpropormecoprop, and an aryloxyphenoxypropionic acid-type herbicide such as quizalofop, haloxyfop, fluazifop, diclofop, fenoxaprop, metamifop, cyhalofop and clodinafop can be produced (Wright et al. 2010: Proceedings of National Academy of Science. 107 (47): 20240-20245).

The crop includes, for example, a crop which has become possible to synthesize a selective toxin known in Bacillus genus, using a genetic engineering technique.

Examples of the toxin which is expressed in such a genetically engineered plant include an insecticidal protein derived fromBacilluscereusorBacilluspopilliae; a δ-endotoxin such as Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1F, Cry1Fa2, Cry2Ab, Cry3A, Cry3Bb1, Cry9C, Cry34ab and Cry35ab, derived from Bacillus thuringiensis; an insecticidal protein such as VIP1, VIP2, VIP3 or VIP3A; an insecticidal protein derived from nematode; a toxin produced by an animal such as a scorpion toxin, a spider toxin, a bee toxin or an insect-specific neurotoxin; a filamentous fungus toxin; plant lectin; agglutinin; a protease inhibitor such as a trypsin inhibitor, a serine protease inhibitor, patatin, cystatin, andapapain inhibitor; a ribosome inactivating protein (RIP) such as lysine, corn-RIP, abrin, luffin, saporin or bryodin; a steroid metabolism enzyme such as 3-hydroxysteroid oxidase, ecdysteroid-UDP-glycosyltransferase, and cholesterol oxidase; anecdysone inhibitor; HMG-CoAreductase; anionchannel inhibitor such as a sodium channel inhibitor or a calcium channel inhibitor; juvenile hormone esterase; a diuretic hormone receptor; stilbene synthase; bibenzyl synthase; chitinase; glucanase; and the like.

A toxin expressed by such a genetically engineered crop includes a hybrid toxin of a 8-endotoxin protein such as Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1F, Cry1Fa2, Cry2Ab, Cry3A, Cry3Bb1, Cry9C, Cry34Ab or Cry35Ab, and an insecticidal protein such as VIP1, VIP2, VIP3 or VIP3A, and a partially deleted toxin, and a modified toxin. The hybrid toxin can be produced by a new combination of different domains of these proteins using a genetic engineering technique. As the partially deleted toxin, Cry1Ab in which a part of an amino acid sequence has been deleted is known. In the modified toxin, one or a plurality of amino acids of a natural toxin are substituted. Examples of these toxins and recombinant plants which can synthesize these toxins are described in EP-A-0374753, WO 93/07278, WO 95/34656, EP-A-0427529, EP-A-451878, WO 03/052073 and the like. The toxins contained in these recombinant plans impart resistance to Coleoptera vermin, Diptera vermin and Lepidoptera vermin to a plant.

In addition, a genetically engineered plant containing one or a plurality of insecticidal vermin-resistant genes and expressing one or a plurality of toxins has already been known, and some of them are commercially available. Examples of these genetically engineered plants include YieldGard (registered trademark) (corn variety expressing Cry1Ab toxin), YieldGard Rootworm (registered trademark) (corn variety expressing Cry3Bb1 toxin), YieldGard Plus (registered trademark) (corn variety expressing Cry1Ab and Cry3Bb1 toxins), Herculex I (registered trademark) (corn variety expressing phosphinothricin N-acetyltransferase (PAT) for imparting resistance to a Cry1Fa2 toxin and glufosinate), NatureGard (registered trademark), AGRISURE (registered trademark) CB Advantage (Bt11 corn borer (CB) trait), and Protecta (registered trademark).

In addition, genetically engineered cotton containing one or a plurality of insecticidal vermin-resistant genes and expressing one or a plurality of toxins have already been known, and some of them are commercially available. Examples of these genetically engineered cotton include BollGard (registered trademark) (cotton variety expressing Cry1Ac toxin), BollGard (registered trademark) II (cotton variety expressing Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab toxins), BollGard (registered trademark) III (cotton variety expressing Cry1Ac, Cry2Ab and VIP3A toxins), VipCot (registered trademark) (cotton variety expressing VIP3A and Cry1Ab toxins), WideStrike (registered trademark) (cotton variety expressing Cry1Ac and Cry1F toxins).

Examples of the plant used in the present invention also include plants to which resistance to an aphid has been imparted, such as soybeans into which a Rag1 (Resistance Aphid Gene 1) gene has been introduced.

In addition, the plant used in the present invention also includes those provided with the resistance to nematodes using a classical breeding method or genetic recombination technology. RNAi is exemplified as the genetic recombination technology providing nematode resistance.

The crop also includes a crop to which the ability to produce an anti-pathogenic substance having selective action has been imparted using a genetic engineering technique. As an example of the anti-pathogenic substance, a PR protein and the like are known (PRPs, EP-A-0392225). Such an anti-pathogenic substance and a genetically engineered plant producing the substance are described in EP-A-0392225, WO 95/33818, EP-A-0353191 and the like. Examples of the anti-pathogenic substance expressed in such a genetically engineered plant include an ion channel inhibitor such as a sodium channel inhibitor or a calcium channel inhibitor (KP1, KP4 and KP6 toxins, etc., which are produced by viruses, have been known); stilbene synthase; bibenzyl synthase; chitinase; glucanase; a PR protein; and an anti-pathogenic substance generated by microorganisms, such as a peptide antibiotic, an antibiotic having a hetero ring, or a protein factor associated with resistance to plant diseases (which is called a plant disease-resistant gene and is described in WO 03/000906).

The crop also includes a plant to which a useful character such as oil cake component modification or an amino acid content enhancing character has been imparted using a genetic engineering technique. Examples thereof include VISTIVE (registered trademark) (low linolenic soybean having a reduced linolenic content) and high-lysine (high-oil) corn (corn having an increased lysine or oil content).

Further, stack varieties are also included in which a plurality of the classical herbicide character or herbicide-resistant gene, insecticidal vermin-resistant gene, anti-pathogenic substance production gene, and a useful character such as oil cake component modification or amino acid content enhancing character are combined.

A nematicide is an agent having an ability to control nematode, and includes abamectin, spirotetramat, fluensulfone, carbamatenematicides, organophosphatenematicides, biological nematicides, and the like. The carbamate nematicides are an agent having a carbamate structure and an ability to control nematode, and examples include aldicarb, oxamyl, thiodicarb, carbofuran, carbosulfan, dimethoate, and the like. The organophosphate nematicides are an agent having an organophosphate structure and the ability to control nematode, and examples include fenamiphos, imicyafos, fensulfothion, terbufos, fosthiazate, phosphocarb, dichlofenthion, isamidofos, fosthientan, isazofos, ethoprophos, cadusafos, chlorpyrifos, heterofos, mecarphon, phorate, thionazin, triazophos, diamidephos, fosthietan, phosphamidon, and the like. The biological nematicides are a biological material or organism having an ability to control nematode, and examples of the organism include Harpin Protein, Pasteuria nishizawae, Pasteuria penetrans, Myrothecium verrucaria, Burholderia cepacia, Bacillus chitonosporus, Paecilomyces lilacinus, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus firmus, Bacillus subtillis, Bacillus pumulis, Trichoderma harzianum, Hirsutella rhossiliensis, Hirsutella minnesotensis, Verticillium chlamydosporum, Arthrobotrys dactyloides, and the like. Preferred nematicide is abamectin, thiodicarb, and Bacillus firmus. In Bacillus firmus, 1-1582 strain (Institut Pasteur under accession number CNCMI-1582.) is preferable.

These nematicides are all known agent, and can be used by purchasing a commercially available formulation or reference standard, or the biological nematicide that is not commercially available is deposited in the public microbe library.

In the step of treating a seed of soybean, corn or cotton with the nematicide in the present invention, the nematicide is usually formulated by mixing with a carrier such as a solid carrier and a liquid carrier, and further adding an adjuvant for formulation such as a surfactant, as necessary. The preferable dosage form is an aqueous liquid suspension formulation.

The amount of the nematicide is in the range of usually 0.002 to 50 g, preferably from 0.01 to 10 g, and more preferably 0.05 to 2 g, per 1 kg of seeds. Examples of the method of treating a seed of the plant with a nematicide include a method of dust-coating a formulation containing an active ingredient on a seed, a method of immersing a seed in a formulation containing a nematicide, a method of spraying a formulation containing a nematicide on a seed, and a method of coating a seed with a carrier containing a nematicide.

In the present invention, a field of soybean, corn or cotton is treated with at least one PPO-inhibiting compound, before, at or after seeding with a seed of soybean, corn or cotton treated with nematicide.

The PPO-inhibiting compound is a compound that inhibits protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase (EC 1.3.3.4) located in the chlorophyll synthesis pathway in plant plasmid, and consequently kills the plant.

The PPO-inhibiting compound in the present invention includes flumioxazin, sulfentrazone, saflufenacil, oxyfluorfen, fomesafen-sodium, and a compound of the formula (I):

(hereinafter, referred to as compound 1).

These PPO-inhibiting compounds are all known compound, and compound 1 is synthesized by the method described in WO 02/066471. Other compounds can be used by purchasing a commercially available formulation or reference standard.

In the step of treating a field with a PPO-inhibiting compound, the PPO-inhibiting compound is usually formulated by mixing with a carrier such as a solid carrier and a liquid carrier, and further adding an adjuvant for formulation such as a surfactant, as necessary.

Examples of the method of treating a field with a PPO-inhibiting compound include a method of spraying the PPO-inhibiting compound on the soil in the field and a method of spraying the PPO-inhibiting compound on weeds after occurrence of weeds.

The amount of the PPO-inhibiting compound used in the step of treating a field with a PPO-inhibiting compound is usually 5 to 5000 g per 10000 m², preferably 10 to 1000 g per 10000 m², and more preferably 20 to 500 g per 10000 m². Here, in the step of treating a field with a PPO-inhibiting compound, the PPO-inhibiting compound may be mixed with an adjuvant and applied.

The seed of soybean, corn or cotton treated with the nematicide in the present invention is seeded in a field by the usual method. In the method for controlling pests of the present invention, the PPO-inhibiting compound may be applied before seeding with the seed of soybean, corn or cotton, and the PPO-inhibiting compound may be applied at or after seeding with the seed of soybean, corn or cotton.

When the PPO-inhibiting compound is applied before seeding with the seed of soybean or corn, the PPO-inhibiting compound is applied 50 days before seeding to immediately before seeding, preferably 30 days before seeding with to immediately before seeding, and further preferably 20 days before seeding to immediately before seeding.

When the PPO-inhibiting compound is applied after seeding with the seed of soybean or corn, the PPO-inhibiting compound is applied preferably immediately after seeding to 50 days after seeding, and more preferably immediately after seeding to 3 days after seeding. Specific application timing of applying the PPO-inhibiting compound after seeding the soybean seed includes, for example, the time from pre-emergence of soybean to flowering time. The time from pre-emergence of soybean to flowering time is preferably the time from pre-emergence of soybean to a stage of 6 compound leaves, and further preferably the time from pre-emergence of soybean to a stage of 3 compound leaves. Specific treatment time of applying the PPO-inhibiting compound after seeding with the corn seed includes the time from pre-emergence of corn to 12 leaf stage, preferably the time from pre-emergence of corn to 8 leaf stage, and further preferably the time from pre-emergence of corn to 6 leaf stage. Here, the leaf age of corn is determined by the leaf collar method.

When the PPO-inhibiting compound is applied before seeding with the cotton seed, the PPO-inhibiting compound is applied 50 days before seeding to immediately before seeding, preferably 30 days before seeding to immediately before seeding, and further preferably 20 days before seeding to immediately before seeding.

When the PPO-inhibiting compound is applied after seeding with the cotton seed, the PPO-inhibiting compound is applied immediately after seeding to 70 days after seeding, and preferably 30 days after seeding to 50 days after seeding. Specific application timing of applying the PPO-inhibiting compound after seeding with the cotton seed includes, for example, the time from pre-emergence of cotton to flowering time. Preferably, the application timing is the time from the onset of lignification of the stem base of cotton to the stage in which the lignification part is 20 cm from the base.

According to the method for controlling pests of the present invention, pests such as nematodes and/or weeds in a field of soybean, corn or cotton without causing phytotoxicity that is a practical problem on crops can be controlled.

Examples of the nematode include the following.

Nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne such as Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyne javanica, Meloidogyne hapla, Meloidogyne arenaria, and Meloidogyne acronea, nematodes of the genus Ditylelenchus such as Ditylelenchus destructor and Ditylelenchus dipsaci, nematodes of the genus Pratylenchus such as Pratylenchus penetrans, Pratylenchus fallax, Pratylenchus cffeae, Pratylenchus loosi, and Pratylenchus vulnus, nematodes of the genus Globodera such as Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida, nematodes of the genus Heterodera such as Heterodera glycines and Heterodera shachtoii, nematodes of the genus Aphelenchoides such as Aphelenchoides besseyi, Aphelenchoides ritzemabosi, and Aphelenchoides fragarieae, nematodes of the genus Aphelenchus such as Aphelenchus avenae, nematodes of the genus Radopholus such as Radopholus similis, nematodes of the genus Tylenchulus such as Tylenchulus semipenetrans, nematodes of the genus Rotylenchulus such as Rotylenchulus reniformis, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, nematodes of the genus Helicotylenchus, nematodes of the genus Hoplolaimus, nematodes of the genus Paratrichodorus, nematodes of the genus Longidorus, nematodes of the genus Nacobbus, nematodes of the genus Subanguina, nematodes of the genus Belonolaimus, nematodes of the genus Criconemoides, nematodes of the genus Ditylenchus, nematodes of the genus Dolichodorus, nematodes of the genus Hemicriconemoides, nematodes of the genus Hemicycliophora, nematodes of the genus Hirschmanniella, nematodes of the genus Macroposthonia, nematodes of the genus Melinius, nematodes of the genus Punctodera, nematodes of the genus Quinisulcius, nematodes of the genus Scutellonema, nematodes of the genus Xiphinema, nematodes of the genus Tylenchorhynchus, nematodes of the genus Mesocriconema, and the like.

Examples of the weed include the followings:

Urticaceae weeds: Urtica urens

Polygonaceae weeds: Polygonum convolvulus, Polygonum lapathifolium, Polygonum pensylvanicum, Polygonum persicaria, Polygonum longisetum, Polygonum aviculare, Polygonum arenastrum, Polygonum cuspidatum, Rumex japonicus, Rumex crispus, Rumex obtusifolius, Rumex acetosa

Portulacaceae weeds: Portulaca oleracea

Caryophyllaceae weeds: Stellaria media, Cerastium holosteoides, Cerastium glomeratum, Spergula arvensis, Silene gallica

Aizoaceae weeds: Mollugo verticillata

Chenopodiaceae weeds: Chenopodium album, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Kochia scoparia, Salsola kali, Atriplex spp.

Amaranthaceae weeds: Amaranthus retroflexus, Amaranthus viridis, Amaranthus lividus, Amaranthus spinosus, Amaranthus hybridus, Amaranthus palmeri, Amaranthus rudis, Amaranthus patulus, Amaranthus tuberculatos, Amaranthus blitoides, Amaranthus deflexus, Amaranthus quitensis, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Alternanthera sessilis, Alternanthera tenella

Papaveraceae weeds: Papaver rhoeas, Argemone mexicana

Brassicaceae weeds: Raphanus raphanistrum, Raphanus sativus, Sinapis arvensis, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Brassica juncea, Brassica campestris, Descurainia pinnata, Rorippa islandica, Rorippa sylvestris, Thlaspi arvense, Myagrum rugosum, Lepidium virginicum, Coronopus didymus

Capparaceae weeds: Cleome affinis

Fabaceae weeds: Aeschynomene indica, Aeschynomene rudis, Sesbania exaltata, Cassia obtusifolia, Cassia occidentalis, Desmodium tortuosum, Desmodium adscendens, Trifolium repens, Pueraria lobata, Vicia angustifolia, Indigofera hirsuta, Indigofera truxillensis, Vigna sinensis

Oxalidaceae weeds: Oxalis corniculata, Oxalis strica, Oxalis oxyptera

Geraniaceae weeds: Geranium carolinense, Erodium cicutarium

Euphorbiaceae weeds: Euphorbia helioscopia, Euphorbia maculata, Euphorbia humistrata, Euphorbia esula, Euphorbia heterophylla, Euphorbia brasiliensis, Acalypha australis, Croton glandulosus, Croton lobatus, Phyllanthus corcovadensis, Ricinus communis

Malvaceae weeds: Abutilon theophrasti, Sida rhombiforia, Sida cordifolia, Sida spinosa, Sida glaziovii, Sida santaremnensis, Hibiscus trionum, Anoda cristata, Malvastrum coromandelianum

Sterculiaceae weeds: Waltheria indica

Violaceae weeds: Viola arvensis, Viola tricolor

Cucurbitaceae weeds: Sicyos angulatus, Echinocystis lobata, Momordica charantia

Lythraceae weeds: Lythrum salicaria

Apiaceae weeds: Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides

Sapindaceae weeds: Cardiospermum halicacabum

Primulaceae weeds: Anagallis arvensis

Asclepiadaceae weeds: Asclepias syriaca, Ampelamus albidus

Rubiaceae weeds: Galium aparine, Galium spurium var. echinospermon, Spermacoce latifolia, Richardia brasiliensis, Borreria alata

Convolvulaceae weeds: Ipomoea nil, Ipomoea hederacea, Ipomoea purpurea, Ipomoea hederacea var. integriuscula, Ipomoea lacunosa, Ipomoea triloba, Ipomoea acuminata, Ipomoea hederifolia, Ipomoea coccinea, Ipomoea quamoclit, Ipomoea grandifolia, Ipomoea aristolochiafolia, Ipomoea cairica, Convolvulus arvensis, Calystegia hederacea, Calystegia japonica, Merremia hedeacea, Merremia aegyptia, Merremia cissoides, Jacquemontia tamnifolia

Boraginaceae weeds: Myosotis arvensis

Lamiaceae weeds: Lamium purpureum, Lamium amplexicaule, Leonotis nepetaefolia, Hyptis suaveolens, Hyptis lophanta, Leonurus sibiricus, Stachys arvensis

Solanaceae weeds: Datura stramonium, Solanum nigrum, Solanum americanum, Solanum ptycanthum, Solanum sarrachoides, Solanum rostratum, Solanum aculeatissimum, Solanum sisymbriifolium, Solanum carolinense, Physalis angulata, Physalis subglabrata, Nicandra physaloides

Scrophulariaceae weeds: Veronica hederaefolia, Veronica persica, Veronica arvensis

Plantaginaceae weeds: Plantago asiatica

Asteraceae weeds: Xanthium pensylvanicum, Xanthium occidentale, Helianthus annuus, Matricaria chamomilla, Matricaria perforata, Chrysanthemum segetum, Matricaria matricarioides, Artemisia princeps, Artemisia vulgaris, Artemisia verlotorum, Solidago altissima, Taraxacum officinale, Galinsoga ciliata, Galinsoga parviflora, Senecio vulgaris, Senecio brasiliensis, Senecio grisebachii, Conyza bonariensis, Conyza canadensis, Ambrosia artemisiaefolia, Ambrosia trifida, Bidens pilosa, Bidens frondosa, Bidens subalternans, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, Silybum marianum, Carduus nutans, Lactuca serriola, Sonchus oleraceus, Sonchus asper, Wedelia glauca, Melampodium perfoliatum, Emilia sonchifolia, Tagetes minuta, Blainvillea latifolia, Tridax procumbens, Porophyllum ruderale, Acanthospermum australe, Acanthospermum hispidum, Cardiospermum halicacabum, Ageratum conyzoides, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Eclipta alba, Erechtites hieracifolia, Gamochaeta spicata, Gnaphalium spicatum, Jaegeria hirta, Parthenium hysterophorus, Siegesbeckia orientalis, Soliva sessilis

Liliaceae weeds: Allium canadense, Allium vineale

Commelinaceae weeds: Commelina communis, Commelina bengharensis, Commelina erecta

Poaceae weeds: Echinochloa crus-galli, Setaria viridis, Setaria faberi, Setaria glauca, Setaria geniculata, Digitaria ciliaris, Digitaria sanguinalis, Digitaria horizontalis, Digitaria insularis, Eleusine indica, Poa annua, Alospecurus aequalis, Alopecurus myosuroides, Avena fatua, Sorghum halepense, Sorghum vulgare, Agropyron repens, Lolium multiflorum, Lolium perenne, Lolium rigidum, Bromus secalinus, Bromus tectorum, Hordeum jubatum, Aegilops cylindrica, Phalaris arundinacea, Phalaris minor, Apera spica-venti, Panicum dichotomiflorum, Panicum texanum, Panicum maximum, Brachiaria platyphylla, Brachiaria ruziziensis, Brachiaria plantaginea, Brachiaria decumbens, Brachiaria brizantha, Brachiaria humidicola, Cenchrus echinatus, Cenchrus pauciflorus, Eriochloa villosa, Pennisetum setosum, Chloris gayana, Eragrostis pilosa, Rhynchelitrum repens, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Ischaemum rugosum, Oryza sativa, Paspalum notatum, Paspalum maritimum, Pennisetum clandestinum, Pennisetum setosum, Rottboellia cochinchinensis

Cyperaceae weeds: Cyperus microiria, Cyperus iria, Cyperus odoratus, Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus esculentus, Kyllinga gracillima

Equisetaceae weeds: Equisetum arvense, Equisetum palustre, and the like.

In the method of controlling a pest of the present invention, one or more kinds of other agrochemicals can be also used in combination simultaneously or separately with the nematicide or the PPO-inhibiting compound. Examples of the other agrochemicals include an insecticide, a miticide, a fungicide, a herbicide, a plant regulating agent and a safener.

Examples of the other agrochemicals include the following:

Herbicide: dicamba and a salt thereof (diglycolamine salt, dimethylammonium salt, isopropylammonium salt, potassium salt, sodium salt, choline salt), 2,4-D and a salt or ester thereof (butotyl ester, dimethylammonium salt, diolamine salt, ethylhexyl ester, isooctyl ester, isopropylammonium salt, sodium salt, triisopropanolamine salt, choline salt), 2,4-DB and a salt or ester thereof (dimethylammonium salt, isooctyl ester, choline salt), MCPA and a salt or ester thereof (dimethylammonium salt, 2-ethylhexyl ester, isooctyl ester, sodium salt, choline salt), MCPB, mecoprop and a salt or ester thereof (dimethylammonium salt, diolamine salt, ethadyl ester, 2-ethylhexyl ester, isooctyl ester, methyl ester, potassiumsalt, sodium salt, trolamine salt, choline salt), mecoprop-P and a salt or ester thereof (dimethylammonium salt, 2-ethylhexyl ester, isobutyl salt, potassium salt, choline salt), dichlorprop and a salt or ester thereof (butotyl ester, dimethylammonium salt, 2-ethylhexyl ester, isooctyl ester, methyl ester, potassium salt, sodium salt, choline salt), dichlorprop-P, dichlorprop-P-dimethylammonium, bromoxynil, bromoxynil-octanoate, dichlobenil, ioxynil, ioxynil-octanoate, di-allate, butylate, tri-allate, phenmedipham, chlorpropham, asulam, phenisopham, benthiocarb, molinate, esprocarb, pyributicarb, prosulfocarb, orbencarb, EPTC, dimepiperate, swep, propachlor, metazachlor, alachlor, acetochlor, metolachlor, S-metolachlor, butachlor, pretilachlor, thenylchlor, aminocyclopyrachlor, aminocyclopyrachlor-methyl, aminocyclopyrachlor-potassium, trifluralin, pendimethalin, ethalfluralin, benfluralin, prodiamine, simazine, atrazine, propazine, cyanazine, ametryn, simetryn, dimethametryn, prometryn, indaziflam, triaziflam, metribuzin, hexazinone, isoxaben, diflufenican, diuron, linuron, fluometuron, difenoxuron, methyl-daimuron, isoproturon, isouron, tebuthiuron, benzthiazuron, methabenzthiazuron, propanil, mefenacet, clomeprop, naproanilide, bromobutide, daimuron, cumyluron, diflufenzopyr, etobenzanid, bentazon, tridiphane, indanofan, amitrole, fenchlorazole, clomazone, maleic hydrazide, pyridate, chloridazon, norflurazon, bromacil, terbacil, oxaziclomefone, cinmethylin, benfuresate, cafenstrole, pyrithiobac, pyrithiobac-sodium, pyriminobac, pyriminobac-methyl, bispyribac, bispyribac-sodium, pyribenzoxim, pyrimisulfan, pyriftalid, fentrazamide, dimethenamid, dimethenamid-P, ACN, bennzobicyclon, dithiopyr, triclopyr and a salt or ester thereof (butotyl ester, triethylammonium salt), fluroxypyr, fluroxypyr-meptyl, thiazopyr, aminopyralid and a salt thereof (potassium salt, triisopropanolammonium salt, choline salt), clopyralid and a salt thereof (olamine salt, potassium salt, triethylammonium salt, choline salt), picloramand a salt thereof (potassium salt, triisopropanolammonium salt, choline salt), dalapon, chlorthiamid, amidosulfuron, azimsulfuron, bensulfuron, bensulfuron-methyl, chlorimuron, chlorimuron-ethyl, cyclosulfamuron, ethoxysulfuron, flazasulfuron, flucetosulfuron, flupyrsulfuron, flupyrsulfuron-methyl-sodium, foramsulfuron, halosulfuron, halosulfuron-methyl, imazosulfuron, mesosulfuron, mesosulfuron-methyl, nicosulfuron, orthosulfamuron, oxasulfuron, primisulfuron, primisulfuron-methyl, propyrisulfuron, pyrazosulfuron, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, rimsulfuron, sulfometuron, sulfometuron-methyl, sulfosulfuron, trifloxysulfuron-sodium, trifloxysulfuron, chlorsulfuron, cinosulfuron, ethametsulfuron, ethametsulfuron-methyl, iodosulfuron, iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium, metsulfuron, metsulfuron-methyl, prosulfuron, thifensulfuron, thifensulfuron-methyl, triasulfuron, tribenuron, tribenuron-methyl, triflusulfuron, triflusulfuron-methyl, tritosulfuron, picolinafen, beflubutamid, mesotrione, sulcotrione, tefuryltrione, tembotrione, isoxachlortole, isoxaflutole, benzofenap, pyrasulfotole, pyrazolynate, pyrazoxyfen, topramezone, flupoxam, amicarbazone, bencarbazone, flucarbazone, flucarbazone-sodium, ipfencarbazone, propoxycarbazone, propoxycarbazone-sodium, thiencarbazone, thiencarbazone-methyl, cloransulam, cloransulam-methyl, diclosulam, florasulam, flumetsulam, metosulam, penoxsulam, pyroxsulam, imazamethabenz, imazamethabenz-methyl, imazamox, imazamox-ammonium, imazapic, imazapic-ammonium, imazapyr, imazapyr-ammonium, imazaquin, imazaquin-ammonium, imazethapyr, imazethapyr-ammonium, clodinafop, clodinafop-propargyl, cyhalofop, cyhalofop-butyl, diclofop, diclofop-methyl, fenoxaprop, fenoxaprop-ethyl, fenoxaprop-P, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, fluazifop, fluazifop-butyl, fluazifop-P, fluazifop-P-butyl, haloxyfop, haloxyfop-methyl, haloxyfop-P, haloxyfop-P-methyl, metamifop, propaquizafop, quizalofop, quizalofop-ethyl, quizalofop-P, quizalofop-P-ethyl, alloxydim, clethodim, sethoxydim, tepraloxydim, tralkoxydim, pinoxaden, pyroxasulfone, glyphosate, glyphosate-isopropylamine, glyphosate-trimethylsulfonium, glyphosate-ammonium, glyphosate-diammonium, glyphosate-sodium, glyphosate-potassium, glyphosate-guanidine, glufosinate, glufosinate-ammonium, glufosinate-P, glufosinate-P-sodium, bialafos, anilofos, bensulide, butamifos, paraquat, paraquat-dichloride, diquat anddiquat-dibromide

Plant growth regulating agents: hymexazol, paclobutrazol, uniconazole, uniconazole-P, inabenfide, prohexadione-calcium, 1-methylcyclopropene, trinexapac and gibberellins.

Safeners: benoxacor, cloquintocet, cloquintocet-mexyl, cyometrinil, cyprosulfamide, dichlormid, dicyclonon, dietholate, fenchlorazole, fenchlorazole-ethyl, fenclorim, flurazole, fluxofenim, furilazole, isoxadifen, isoxadifen-ethyl, mefenpyr, mefenpyr-diethyl, mephenate, naphthalic anhydride and oxabetrinil.

EXAMPLES

Hereinbelow, the present invention will be described by way of Examples, but the present invention is not limited to these Examples.

First, evaluation criteria for a nematode controlling effect, aherbicidal effect, andphytotoxicityon crops described in the following examples are shown.

[Nematode Controlling Effect]

The evaluation of the nematode controlling effect is classified into 0 to 100, in which the numeral “0” indicates no or little difference in the attack situation by nematodes in the roots as comparison with the untreated roots at the time of the investigation, and the numeral “100” indicates that the attack by nematodes is not completely or hardly observed.

[Herbicidal Effect and Phytotoxicity on Crops]

The evaluation of the herbicidal effect is classified into 0 to 100, in which the numeral “0” indicates no or little difference in the state of pre-emergence or growth of test weeds as comparison with the untreated weeds at the time of the investigation, and the numeral “100” indicates the complete death of the test plants or the complete inhibition of their pre-emergence or growth.

The evaluation of phytotoxicity on crops is shown by “no harm” when no or little phytotoxicity is found, “low” when a slight degree of phytotoxicity is found, “moderate” when a medium degree of phytotoxicity is found, or “high” when a severe degree of phytotoxicity is found.

Example 1 Pre-Plant Application in Cotton

In the combinations shown in Table 1, the nematode controlling effect, herbicidal effect, and phytotoxicity on crops are confirmed by the above standards according to the following methods.

A pot is filled with soil, and the weeds are planted, then a PPO-inhibiting compound is uniformly applied on the soil surface in an agent amount of 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 g/ha. After 15 days, cotton seeds on which a nematicide is adhered in an agent amount of 10, 25, 50, 100 g/100 kg seeds are seeded. This pot is placed in a greenhouse. On day 15 after seeding, the nematode controlling effect, herbicidal effect, and phytotoxicity on crops are examined.

TABLE 1 PPO-inhibiting Combination Nematicide compound 1-1 Abamectin Flumioxazin 1-2 Thiodicarb Flumioxazin 1-3 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Flumioxazin strain 1-4 Abamectin Saflufenacil 1-5 Thiodicarb Saflufenacil 1-6 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Saflufenacil strain 1-7 Abamectin Sulfentrazone 1-8 Thiodicarb Sulfentrazone 1-9 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Sulfentrazone strain 1-10 Abamectin Oxyfluorfen 1-11 Thiodicarb Oxyfluorfen 1-12 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Oxyfluorfen strain 1-13 Abamectin Fomesafen-sodium 1-14 Thiodicarb Fomesafen-sodium 1-15 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Fomesafen-sodium strain 1-16 Abamectin Compound 1 1-17 Thiodicarb Compound 1 1-18 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Compound 1 strain

Example 2 Post-Directed Application in Cotton

In the combinations shown in Table 2, the nematode controlling effect, herbicidal effect, and phytotoxicity on crops are confirmed by the above standards according to the following methods.

A nematicide is adhered on cotton seeds in an agent amount of 10, 25, 50, 100 g/100 kg seeds. Next, the seeds are seeded in a farm field. On day 30 after seeding, a PPO-inhibiting compound is applied as a post-directed application in an agent amount of 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 g/ha, in the state that the main stem of cotton is lignified in 15 cm from the ground. On day 28 after treatment, the nematode controlling effect, herbicidal effect, and phytotoxicity on crops are examined.

TABLE 2 PPO-inhibiting Combination Nematicide compound 2-1 Abamectin Flumioxazin 2-2 Thiodicarb Flumioxazin 2-3 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Flumioxazin strain 2-4 Abamectin Saflufenacil 2-5 Thiodicarb Saflufenacil 2-6 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Saflufenacil strain 2-7 Abamectin Sulfentrazone 2-8 Thiodicarb Sulfentrazone 2-9 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Sulfentrazone strain 2-10 Abamectin Oxyfluorfen 2-11 Thiodicarb Oxyfluorfen 2-12 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Oxyfluorfen strain 2-13 Abamectin Fomesafen-sodium 2-14 Thiodicarb Fomesafen-sodium 2-15 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Fomesafen-sodium strain 2-16 Abamectin Compound 1 2-17 Thiodicarb Compound 1 2-18 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Compound 1 strain

Example 3 Pre-Plant Application in Soybean

In the combinations shown in Table 3, the nematode controlling effect, herbicidal effect, and phytotoxicity on crops are confirmed by the above standards according to the following methods.

A pot is filled with soil, the weeds are planted, and then a PPO-inhibiting compound is uniformly applied on the soil surface in an agent amount of 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 g/ha. After 7 days, soybean seeds on which a nematicide is adhered in an agent amount of 10, 25, 50, 100 g/100 kg seeds are seeded. This pot is placed in a greenhouse. On day 15 after seeding, the nematode controlling effect, herbicidal effect, and phytotoxicity on crops are examined.

TABLE 3 PPO-inhibiting Combination Nematicide compound 3-1 Abamectin Flumioxazin 3-2 Thiodicarb Flumioxazin 3-3 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Flumioxazin strain 3-4 Abamectin Saflufenacil 3-5 Thiodicarb Saflufenacil 3-6 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Saflufenacil strain 3-7 Abamectin Sulfentrazone 3-8 Thiodicarb Sulfentrazone 3-9 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Sulfentrazone strain 3-10 Abamectin Oxyfluorfen 3-11 Thiodicarb Oxyfluorfen 3-12 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Oxyfluorfen strain 3-13 Abamectin Fomesafen-sodium 3-14 Thiodicarb Fomesafen-sodium 3-15 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Fomesafen-sodium strain 3-16 Abamectin Compound 1 3-17 Thiodicarb Compound 1 3-18 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Compound 1 strain

Example 4 Preemergence Application in Soybean

In the combinations shown in Table 4, the nematode controlling effect, herbicidal effect, and phytotoxicity on crops are confirmed by the above standards according to the following methods.

A nematicide is adhered on soybean seeds in an agent amount of 10, 25, 50, 100 g/100 kg seeds. Next, a pot is filled with soil, and the seeds and the seeds of the weeds are seeded. On the day of the seeding, a PPO-inhibiting compound is uniformly applied on the soil surface in an agent amount of 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 g/ha. This pot is placed in a greenhouse. On day 15 after seeding, the nematode controlling effect, herbicidal effect, and phytotoxicity on crops are examined.

TABLE 4 PPO-inhibiting Combination Nematicide compound 4-1 Abamectin Flumioxazin 4-2 Thiodicarb Flumioxazin 4-3 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Flumioxazin strain 4-4 Abamectin Saflufenacil 4-5 Thiodicarb Saflufenacil 4-6 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Saflufenacil strain 4-7 Abamectin Sulfentrazone 4-8 Thiodicarb Sulfentrazone 4-9 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Sulfentrazone strain 4-10 Abamectin Oxyfluorfen 4-11 Thiodicarb Oxyfluorfen 4-12 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Oxyfluorfen strain 4-13 Abamectin Fomesafen-sodium 4-14 Thiodicarb Fomesafen-sodium 4-15 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Fomesafen-sodium strain 4-16 Abamectin Compound 1 4-17 Thiodicarb Compound 1 4-18 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Compound 1 strain

Example 5 Preemergence Application in Corn

In the combinations shown in Table 5, the nematode controlling effect, herbicidal effect, and phytotoxicity on crops are confirmed by the above standards according to the following methods.

A nematicide is adhered on corn seeds in an agent amount of 10, 25, 50, 100 g/100 kg seeds. Next, a pot is filled with soil, and the seeds and the seeds of the weeds are seeded. On the day of the seeding, a PPO-inhibiting compound is uniformly applied on the soil surface in an agent amount of 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 g/ha. This pot is placed in a greenhouse. On day 15 after seeding, the nematode controlling effect, herbicidal effect, and phytotoxicity on crops are examined.

TABLE 5 PPO-inhibiting Combination Nematicide compound 5-1 Abamectin Flumioxazin 5-2 Thiodicarb Flumioxazin 5-3 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Flumioxazin strain 5-4 Abamectin Saflufenacil 5-5 Thiodicarb Saflufenacil 5-6 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Saflufenacil strain 5-7 Abamectin Sulfentrazone 5-8 Thiodicarb Sulfentrazone 5-9 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Sulfentrazone strain 5-10 Abamectin Oxyfluorfen 5-11 Thiodicarb Oxyfluorfen 5-12 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Oxyfluorfen strain 5-13 Abamectin Fomesafen-sodium 5-14 Thiodicarb Fomesafen-sodium 5-15 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Fomesafen-sodium strain 5-16 Abamectin Compound 1 5-17 Thiodicarb Compound 1 5-18 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Compound 1 strain

Example 6 Pre-Plant Application in Corn

In the combinations shown in Table 6, the nematode controlling effect, herbicidal effect, and phytotoxicity on crops are confirmed by the above standards according to the following methods.

A pot is filled with soil, and the weeds are planted, then a PPO-inhibiting compound is uniformly applied on the soil surface in an agent amount of 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 g/ha. After 7 days, corn seeds on which a nematicide is adhered in an agent amount of 10, 25, 50, 100 g/100 kg seeds. This pot is placed in a greenhouse. On day 15 after seeding, the nematode controlling effect, herbicidal effect, and phytotoxicity on crops are examined.

TABLE 6 PPO-inhibiting Combination Nematicide compound 6-1 Abamectin Flumioxazin 6-2 Thiodicarb Flumioxazin 6-3 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Flumioxazin strain 6-4 Abamectin Saflufenacil 6-5 Thiodicarb Saflufenacil 6-6 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Saflufenacil strain 6-7 Abamectin Sulfentrazone 6-8 Thiodicarb Sulfentrazone 6-9 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Sulfentrazone strain 6-10 Abamectin Oxyfluorfen 6-11 Thiodicarb Oxyfluorfen 6-12 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Oxyfluorfen strain 6-13 Abamectin Fomesafen-sodium 6-14 Thiodicarb Fomesafen-sodium 6-15 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Fomesafen-sodium strain 6-16 Abamectin Compound 1 6-17 Thiodicarb Compound 1 6-18 Bacillus firmus I-1582 Compound 1 strain

According to the method for controlling pests of the present invention, pests in a field of soybean, corn or cotton can be efficiently controlled. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for controlling a weed in a field of soybean, corn or cotton, comprising applying at least one PPO-inhibiting compound selected from the group consisting of sulfentrazone, saflufenacil, and fomesafen-sodium to a field before, at or after seeding with a seed of soybean, corn or cotton treated with one or more nematicides selected from the group consisting of abamectin and Bacillus firmus.
 2. A method for controlling a weed in a field of soybean, corn or cotton, comprising the steps of: treating a seed of soybean, corn or cotton with one or more nematicides selected from the group consisting of abamectin and Bacillus firmus, and treating a field before, at or after seeding with the seed of soybean, corn or cotton with one or more PPO-inhibiting compound selected from the group consisting of sulfentrazone, saflufenacil, and fomesafen-sodium.
 3. The control method according to claim 2, comprising the step of treating a field of soybean, corn or cotton with the PPO-inhibiting compound before seeding with a seed of soybean, corn or cotton.
 4. The control method according to claim 2, comprising the step of treating a field of soybean, corn or cotton with the PPO-inhibiting compound at seeding with a seed of soybean, corn or cotton.
 5. The control method according to claim 2, comprising the step of treating a field of soybean, corn or cotton with the PPO-inhibiting compound after seeding with a seed of soybean, corn or cotton.
 6. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the PPO-inhibiting compound is 20 to 1000 g per 10000 m², and the amount of the nematicide is 0.05 to 2 g, per 1 kg of seeds.
 7. The control method according to claim 2, wherein the amount of the PPO-inhibiting compound is 20 to 1000 g per 10000 m², and the amount of the nematicide is 0.05 to 2 g, per 1 kg of seeds. 